The Warrants Division is located on the main floor of the Public Safety Building Address: 300 Kansas City Street
Rapid City, South Dakota 57701 Phone: (605)394-6117
A warrant is a process to get someone into court. It is usually
generated for one of two reasons. A warrant is issued as the result of an investigation in a criminal
case; whereas a bench warrant is usually issued by a judge for either failing to appear as promised or failing
to pay a fine. Warrants are classified by the State Legislature and are done so by the severity of the crime and
the ultimate penalty. The classifications are:
1) Petty Offense, e.g. (No seat belt);
2) Misdemeanor, (e.g. speeding),
3) Felony, (e.g. burglary).
Bonds are required on all warrants to insure court appearance and can
range from a 'no bond' warrant to a bond for the amount of the original charge. Often, a bond in the amount
of the original charge can be handled without going to court by signing a power of attorney which allows the Clerk
of Courts to enter a plea of 'guilty' and then bond is then forfeited. For any questions concerning warrants,
bonds, or the self turn-in process you can call the Warrants Division or, if after hours, you may request to speak
with a Deputy Sheriff.
If you have a warrant, there is a possibility that you can take care of it without having to be
taken into immediate custody.
The Pennington County Sheriff's Office has developed a self turn-in program. This program allows you to
turn yourself in on your warrant by coming to the Warrants Division, Monday through Friday (excluding
Holidays) between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. to sign up for morning court. The process
includes presenting yourself at the warrants window and filling out an information sheet. Your name
will be put on a list to appear in morning court at 10:00 a.m. the same morning. You are not required
to post a bond at the time you turn yourself in for morning court. Morning court is held on the second
floor of the Pennington County Courthouse.
If you turn yourself in on an Arrest Warrant, fingerprints and/or a photo may be required. This process
usually takes up to ten minutes and can be done by the staff at the warrants division at the time
you turn yourself in for court.
Whether you have a warrant that can be paid and does not require a court appearance or a warrant that
you would have to post a bond, you can come to the Public Safety Building anytime, day or night, and a
deputy will be glad to assist you in clearing your warrant.
This website is provided as an information service to Pennington County citizens. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of its Terms and Conditions.
